Bethlehem University Student Gateway

Student Senate

Bethlehem University provides for its students an environment characterized by pluralism, openness and respect. Students come together from various social and religious backgrounds, from cities, villages and refugee camps.

The vibrant, dynamic quality of Bethlehem University is evident in the rich campus life and activities enjoyed by its students. This may be expressed in drama, music and dance, and in active involvement in social and environmental issues.

The student body is represented by the Student Senate, elected by the students during the spring semester of each academic year. The Senate is comprised of two bodies, the Conference and the Secretariat. The total number of the members of the conference is 31, who are elected by the student body through a system of proportional representation. The Secretariat consists of 11 members who are designated by the Conference. Members of the Secretariat should be members of the Conference, and have to receive the a vote of confidence of 51% of the Conference members. The Secretariat consists of a president, vice-president, secretary general, treasurer, and secretaries of the following committees: Social, Cultural, Folklore, Arts, Sport, Academic, Public and External Relations, and Environment and Health.

The aims of the Student Senate are:

To represent the general student body.

To serve as a recognized channel of communication between students and University authorities.

To foster loyalty and concern for the University among the student body.

To enhance the students' sense of responsibility and leadership.

To promote good relations among the students, as well as between students and staff, and between students and the administration.

To encourage interest in academic affairs and to strive constantly to improve the image and reputation of the University as a center of scholastic excellence.

Student Committees

In cooperation with the Student Senate, the administration and the faculty, the student committees organize and conduct activities such as exhibitions, seminars, lectures, social parties, and meetings. There are several students' committees:

The Social Committee organizes activities such as parties, excursions, and volunteer work.

The Cultural Committee organizes activities such as conferences, discussion groups, book exhibitions and literary competitions.

The Art and Folklore Committee organizes activities such as music, drawing, painting, theater, native heritage exhibitions, fairs and dances for the public.

The Sports Committee cooperates with the Physical Education Department for sports activities on and off campus.

The Public and External Relations Committee plans and works for strengthening relations between the student body and various Palestinian organizations, in addition to maintaining relations with international student bodies and youth organizations.

The Environment and Health Committee: (MARTYRED ABU SROUR)

This committee was named after his death on 26th September, 1996. He was the first one who had the idea of establishing it, before he was killed by Israeli soldiers. His friends took the responsibility of carrying on his idea.

Currently the Committee consists of fifty members: students, teachers, other employees of the University. Their aim is to keep the environment clean, healthy and green.

Last semester the Committee planted a piece of land at Bethlehem University; this semester they will do the same, in memory of Abu Srour. Everyone is welcome to join the Committee.